Being a mascot is the toughest job I'll ever love.  Lots of blood, from the stumbles, tumbles, fumbles and rumbles we take and fake.  Tons of sweat, being funny under furry and fuzzy conditions in the heat of the summer make for a Gatorade Brigade.  And, today, lots of tears flooded my eyes with probably one of the nicest letters I've ever received since playing Steamer for some 8 seasons. 

Now, the letter was not sent directly to me, but to my bookie and agent and manager and pimp, Elsie Zengel of the Altoona Curve.  Just to give you a quick set up: yesterday, Memorial Day, I was asked to make a personal Steamer appearance to a couple and their children's picnic.  They won a FREE appearance and Curve Burgers from our Hot Stove Auction back in January.  They had their family and friends at their house, and I had a blast.  It's not often that I get such nice letters from someone's father.  It's usually, after an appearance, we follow up with a courtesy call, asking, 'how was everything?'  Usually followed by, " Steamer was a lot of fun!"  Those words always ALWAYS bring a smile to my face.  But, I gotta share this letter with you.  I will admit, I balled my eyes out.  For a hard-headed Kraut, I'm a softie on the inside.